Over 100,000 requests for compensation after NS strikes; More trains strikes looming

NS has received over 100,000 requests from people seeking compensation for travel expenses incurred when strikes halted train traffic in recent weeks. More strikes may be looming. In the coming days, the unions VVMC, FNV, and CNV will find out whether their members will accept the rail company’s final offer for a new collective bargaining agreement.

In an email to affected travelers, NS wrote that processing the compensation requests may take longer than usual. Typically, this happens within four weeks, but NS says it needs a little more time to handle each request “with care.”

NS workers went on strike on several days in various regions last month, demanding a better collective bargaining agreement. The strikes brought train traffic nationwide to a standstill on Friday, June 6, and Tuesday, June 10.

A spokesperson for the rail company stressed that passengers who incurred additional costs for alternative transport due to the strikes can apply for compensation up to three months after the day of travel. They can receive up to 25 euros in compensation.

The trade unions VVMC and CNV expect to be able to say more about any new strikes early next week after consulting with their members, internally in the unions, and then with each other. FNV members have until Monday afternoon to vote on NS’s final offer.

CNV director Henk Jongsma stressed that last week’s strikes were only suspended, not canceled.